Keilor premiership coach Mick McGuane will share the reins this season with nephew Luke McGuane.
Off the back of an Essendon District Football League premier division premiership, the club, and Mick, decided there was no better time for Luke to step up into the co-coaching role.
Luke came to Keilor last season after 112 AFL games with Richmond and Brisbane and was a playing assistant coach in the Blues premiership.
Luke said stepping up to the co-coaching role was among the best things he’s done in football.
“Last year I really enjoyed it, and it helps the group of boys we have are infectious,” he said.
“Having family like Mick beside me coaching and mentoring me … there’s probably no better mentor for me. Going forward, I’ll keep doing it until I don’t enjoy doing it. If that’s for the next 10 years, I’ll do it for the next 10; if it means I slowly start not enjoying it as much, I’ll step away from it.
“I couldn’t be more excited – to step into the club, and now try to defend the title as a co-coach and also as a player, out there living and breathing the message we will portray.”
For Mick, who signed a new two-year contract midway through last season, the decision to share the coaching role with Luke was an easy one. He said coaching football was in the family’s blood.
“We spoke about it 12 months ago, before Luke became a Keilor player,” Mick said.
“I know Luke has the potential to be a senior coach irrespective what level he wants to go to.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for a transitional stage … I’m not going to say he’ll coach beyond this year by himself, but in case he does want to, and I might want to exit … we know we have a ready-made replacement.
“It’s probably been fast-tracked with our success.
“He was unsure if he would go around again this year. He’s an important component in our four walls.”
Mick, who played 155 AFL games, said Luke would bring a wealth of AFL knowledge to the role.
“He brings an AFL competitive instinct, and the group we’ve got thrives on that attitude,” he said. “He’s brought that higher level intellect to the club and we really respect what he has offered.”
Luke made the decision to play on late in the pre-season, and said he wasn’t expecting his uncle to go easy on him.
“Mick being the senior coach last season and doing everything he did, I can step into the structures and the culture already set up.”
Tara Murray
